In the ancient city of Halaesa Archonidea (now known as Tusa), on the northern coast of Sicily, archaeologists have uncovered a series of monumental structures and remains at the end of the fifth archaeological excavation campaign carried out by the University of Palermo, in collaboration with the Tindari Archaeological Park and the Municipality of Tusa.
One of the most significant discoveries of this campaign is a large thermal complex which, due to its size and detailed decorative elements, is considered unique in Sicily. The excavated area covers an impressive 800 square meters, placing this complex among the largest on the island.
The remains include two rooms with floors decorated with mosaics, as well as a courtyard surrounded by porticoed wings. These features indicate that this site was not only functional but also a luxurious space, meant to be admired by both its inhabitants and visitors.
The value of this discovery lies not only in its dimensions but also in the rich ornamentation that has survived through time. The mosaics found suggest a high artistic and decorative level, highlighting the economic and cultural importance of Halaesa in antiquity.
In addition to the thermal complex, the excavations have also revealed the existence of a monumental set of previously unknown structures. Among the most notable elements are a well-planned network of streets and a new section of fortifications, which could shed light on the city’s defensive system and urban organization. These types of finds are key for archaeologists, as they allow for a clearer mapping of how Halaesa developed over the centuries, from its founding in the 4th century B.C. to the Roman imperial period.
The acting director of the Tindari Archaeological Park, Domenico Targia, has emphasized the importance of these discoveries, announcing that the site will undergo a series of restoration and conservation interventions. These measures, according to Targia, are necessary to ensure the site’s protection, as well as to make possible its valorization and future opening to the public.
Founded in the 4th century B.C. by Archonides, a Sicel leader who settled in the area after a series of conflicts with Dionysius I of Syracuse, Halaesa quickly became a regional center of importance. According to the historian Diodorus, the city’s founding was motivated by both political and economic reasons, as its strategic position facilitated control of the maritime trade routes in the area. Halaesa’s prosperity attracted mercenaries and settlers from various backgrounds, consolidating its cosmopolitan character.
Halaesa Archonidea was one of the first Sicilian cities to ally with Rome during the First Punic War (264-241 B.C.), gaining significant political and economic benefits. After the conquest of Syracuse, Halaesa was included in the select group of civitates liberae et immunes, meaning free cities exempt from paying agricultural taxes. This privileged status allowed it to enjoy great political and legal autonomy, which, in turn, facilitated its economic and commercial growth during the Roman Republic.
Over time, Halaesa became an important center of maritime trade, taking advantage of its strategic geographical location near the northern coast of Sicily, between the present-day cities of Cefalù and Caronia. This economic dynamism continued even after the city attained the status of a municipium during the reign of Emperor Augustus and remained prosperous during the imperial era.
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